The First (Or Second Or Third) Time
Item: Sweater Color/Fabric: Beige, cashmere/cotton/suede Designer: Essendi Where Purchased: Next Boutique Years owned: 6
Tonight I am having trouble with the remembering. Usually it’s so easy, but this evening there is a struggle happening. Maybe it’s due to all of this mucus. It might be clogging up my brain.
What I do know is that I bought this strange sweater-type garment at Next Boutique, and it was one of two items that made my very first purchase there. I know that I have worn this on many occasions. The specifics are quite cloudy, though.
It is a rather odd little piece. I liked it because, quite literally, I had never seen anything else like it. And it was very soft. It has a slight asymmetrical neckline. But I’ve never really been entirely sure how it was meant to fit, and therefore whether or not it fits me correctly. Here is a picture of me wearing it: 
I’d like to believe it’s more flattering in real life than in that picture. But I may be overly optimistic.
You can see from that picture that I wore this on a trip to the city. I just can’t remember the circumstances of the trip. I thought for a second that it was my first time, but then I remembered that Nate didn’t go that time, and since I cut him out of this picture for making a ridiculous face, I know he was there, too. And I do remember what I wore my very first time in New York City, but the whole outfit is no longer with me. It may be my second trip to the city, which was the fourth of July. From that trip I remember former gymnastics teammates and a mozzarella, basil, and tomato sandwich that changed my life, but I don’t remember clothing. This could be from then.
I think, though, that this may be from the time we went to the city with my family. In which case it might be in my first five visits to the city.
The fact is that this sweater has been to New York City at one point in time. And I’m sure it had a wonderful time, since I have never had a bad trip to the city, or even a mediocre one. It is always amazing. As soon as I am standing on those streets, it just invades my heart. I know that sounds like the ultimate cheese, but it’s true. I swear that my very heartbeat changes. New York City is the only place in the world where I always know where I am, where I need to go, and how to get there. Everywhere else, I have no sense of direction at all. If there’s a detour, I will still get lost going to the Kingston Plaza, where I have driven to almost every day for over two years. New York City just makes sense to me. We understand each other.
I’m pretty sure that I have also worn this to a concert at some point. I think I probably labeled it a rocker-chic look since it has some leather pieces on it . I can’t remember the concert, though. It might have been Green Day. Or maybe I am just thinking that because the leather is green.
I’m sorry there’s no cohesive story tonight. I tried and tried, but I just couldn’t pin it down. Maybe the lack of clarity about situations where I have worn this sweater means that it’s never really spoken to me and I should get rid of it. Or maybe I am putting way too much thought into this. What do you think?
**Oh, I’m still hanging on to this. There is just something I love about it. But I haven’t worn it, so I can’t decide…
Do doo! Do doo! Do!! A Trio.
Item: Skirt Color/Fabric” Black, polyester/wool/spandex Designer: Gap Years Owned” 6ish?
Item: Skirt Color/Fabric: Black, cotton/spandex Designer: Isaac Mizrahi Where Purchased: Target Years Owned: 5ish?
Item: Skirt Color/Fabric: Black, cotton Designer: Odille Where Purchased: Anthropologie Years Owned: 4ish?
Here I offer for your consideration three black skirts. But first I have to confess that I have yet found another black skirt that I forgot to put away, so now the BS total has risen to 18. Now I have to get rid of 6. Since a few of you have expressed concern about voting for or against a BS without seeing the others, I thought I could start showing them in groups of three. You should be able to vote for one, yes?
In order to try to go to bed before dawn, however, I’ve chosen three skirts whose stories are sort of intertwined, so that I don’t have to write three separate tales tonight. I know that the format of this post isn’t as nice as it would be if Nate hadn’t gone to bed already, but it’s the best I can do on my own. To make things easier, I’ll refer to the first skirt posted tonight as skirt #1, and so on.
All three of these skirts remind me of the summer I was in Company, in 2007. I was cast as April, a stewardess, and it’s not a huge role, but it was probably the the most I had ever had to do on stage up to then. Ok, it absolutely and definitively was. And I was terrified.And not least when shortly after accepting the role, the director casually asked me “You’re alright with being naked on stage, right?”
“Naked naked?” I asked in a tiny voice.
“Yep,” he answered in a loud and firm voice.
“Um, not really,” I said in barely a whisper.
“Oh, you’ll be fine!” he exclaimed, laughing loudly.
Long, long silent and tortuous pause.
As it turns out, I did not have to actually be naked. Since I may really have expired if that had occurred. Or maybe just melted into a puddle Wicked Witch style. In any case, it would not have been good. The reality was not much easier, however. I did have to strip on stage and then sing a song in my underwear. I wore skirt number 3 the night we rehearsed that scene. Kevin had asked that we wear clothes that were easy to get out of, so I chose this skirt due to its elastic waistband. Simple! Quick! And Easy! And I sort of cheated by wearing little shorts underneath.
That rehearsal, I have to admit, is a blur. I think that my entire body was red from head to toe. I looked like a giant lobster in a ruffled skirt. And it was probably not the best night for me to audition for another show in the middle of rehearsal, since I was already nervous, but that’s what ended up happening. I’m not sure which is more horrible; auditions or taking off clothing on stage. All in all, it was a horribly awkward night for me, even though we didn’t really end up doing all that much stripping. It was sitting there on my shoulder like a 500-pound parrot all night.
Skirt number 2 I wore the day we did publicity shots for the show. I thought that I would be a professional looking stewardess, in a nice, knee length pencil skirt. The skirt was deemed too long, though, to wear in the show, and that’s where skirt #1 comes onto the scene. I have a picture of me in this one: 
I am actually very glad that I wore this one instead of skirt #2. It would have been an entirely different character if I had been wearing a pencil skirt. I am always amazed by how much costumes can change everything in a show. All of the costumes in Company were painstakingly chosen, and I loved them all. It’s just a great show, and such fun to be in. I ended up loving every second of it. Well, maybe not so much the massive amounts of second hand sweat that was involved… Anyway, I’m proud to have done it, but I do not ever want to sing in my underwear ever again if it’s not in the privacy of my own bedroom. Or living room. And sometimes kitchen.
So here’s what I would like to have happen in a perfect world. I would like to get rid of two of the black skirts that I’ve posted this week. Could you help me? I will tell you that the one I have worn the most is #3 from tonight. I don’t really have another one that’s quite as flouncy, so I’m partial to it. #1 from tonight was great for the show, but I’ve never worn it since. It’s just a little too short for my real life. And I think #2 from tonight, and the skirt I posted on Sunday are very similar. I don’t know which I prefer. What do you think?
**Number One I decided to toss, Number Two moved to the Costume Bin, and Number Three is staying. For now. It’s starting to show how much I love it…
Regarding Angry Marionettes, Jared Leto, and Squirrels
Item: Camisole Color/Fabric: Purple, silk Designer: Express Years Owned: 4
Tonight I had a hard time. I could not decide what I wanted to write about. I had randomly selected a sweater, but I finding that I am not easily inspired by knits. So I sat in my closet and sifted through just about everything, waiting for something to tell me a story.
Tonight I wanted a story to tell. And it was eluding me. Then I thought about my friend Lizzie, who is far away from me, and I started missing her. So I decide to write about something that reminded me of Lizzie.
The first awards show I ever had the chance to attend is probably something you’ve never heard of. It was the 2006 MTVU Woodie awards. MTVU being their university channel, it featured many little known or up and coming musical acts. I had not heard of many of them before or since, really.
I was able to get two tickets for being a fan of Beck, who was performing that night. And since Nate couldn’t go, I invited my friend Annie.
We were thrilled! Even though it was an unknown awards show, it was still an awards show, in New York City, and being broadcast on the real MTV. Shockingly, we bought new outfits. It was going to be our first trip to the city together, and we got to leave work early. What could be better?
I think we had given ourselves an hour to get ready between work and getting down to the train station. So there was not much time to deliberate when I got the phone call.
“There’s a ******* squirrel in my apartment!!!” Tears.
“A squirrel?” I asked, puzzled..
“A SQUIRREL!!!” More tears.
Of course, Annie couldn’t just leave for the night with a creature running rampant through her apartment. I did not know what to do. So I got on the train, all by myself, and headed down to the city in my purple cami and black jeans. There just wasn’t enough time to find a replacement companion.
Then I thought of Lizzie, who was going to school in the city, so she was already there. Plus, I hadn’t seen her in a really long time, and wanted to hang out. And, miracles of miracles, she was available!
Somehow, we found each other in the teeming crowd of college students.
It was such an interesting evening. We got to be down on the floor by the stage and the platform where the Woodies were awarded (the trophies are made out of wood. Or made to look like wood. Not sure why). My favorite performers were Imogen Heap, who is a one woman band, and wore many feathers, and Beck, who had a miniature stage with marionettes that looked like his band and fought with each other. They may have been dancing. It’s sort of hard to tell with marionettes.
The most excited the audience got was when Jared Leto came on stage with his band to receive a Woodie. Girls were screaming, and I think one of them by me actually cried a little, and even the guys seemed secretly thrilled. He was very handsome up close, I have to admit, if you like that whole vampire look. And obviously girls still do…
I danced like crazy the whole time, which just comes with the territory of being me. Liz was more reserved- she just sort of took it all in in that contemplative way of hers. But we had a great time together. It was one of the first times we hung out just the two of us, and I knew that we would become bosom friends one day. And so we did.
Oh, and neither Annie nor the squirrel were harmed in the course of this story. The squirrel got to go back to his home in nature, and Annie’s new apartment has so far been proved to be squirrel proof. And we did have our day together in the city, which is a tale for another night.
Well, what about this camisole? It got rather lost in this saga. Will I wear this again? The fit isn’t perfect, I confess, but I do wear it under other things. Is it worth saving?
**This one did not make the cut. It’s lovely though! Someone take it!!
It’s A Wrap!
Item: Dress Color/Fabric: Black/print, polyester Designer: Espirit Where Purchased: Kensington Outlet Mall, MI Years Owned: Maybe 8?
Well, I am going to try to make tonight short and sweet. I have this weird sore throat that refuses to leave, and I’m going to try to sleep a lot tonight to see if that helps.
This dress is a find from one of my outlet mall excursions with my sister Kelly. We got ourselves into much spending trouble in the brief time we lived in the same state as adults. I can only imagine how bad it might be if she lived out here with me. I think we could do some serious damage together at Woodbury Common…
I found this dress in, surprise, the clearance section, and I liked its slight Asian flair. Plus the wrap style is very flattering. I have worn this dress many times, and lots of church occasions, since it’s rather demure. But I haven’t worn it in a few years. The last time I remember wearing it was a work day at Next Boutique. It was at the start of this skinny-jean phenomenon, and I had a pair, but didn’t really feel comfortable wearing them yet. An athletic build like I have can be tricky in the skinny-jean. I felt like a stuffed sausage. It was just a large amount of BOOTY. I have to capitalize it, because it felt like it was yelling at me and the world.
Anyway, I knew I needed to wear something longish on top, that at least covered the BOOTY. But I didn’t really have any tunics that worked. So I thought, well, why not a knee length dress? That should solve the problem.
And it did. The BOOTY was successfully covered, and I sort of liked the way I looked. I wore red heels and lots of bangles, and I think I pulled it off.
I haven’t worn the dress since, because I had an incident with a cup of coffee that day, and it ended up spilled down the side of me. I had a difficult time getting the stain out of the thirsty polyester fabric. And so it sat for a year or two in the dress closet, until I pulled it out last week and decided to try to clean it one more time. I told myself that if the stain didn’t come out, I would toss it. I wasn’t hopeful.
However, Tide with Bleach did the trick! No trace of coffee left. So the stain has gone- should the dress?
**I still am really fond of this one, but haven’t worn it. I’m torn. Help!
The Last Train From Paris
Item: Skirt Color/Fabric: Black, cotton Designer: Gap Years owned: Going to go with 6, but may be longer.
This skirt marks the first of my Black Skirt Series, an attempt to rid my closet of all but the most necessary and most fabulous black skirts. I have a ridiculous collection of black skirts. I counted them today, and was appalled. The skirts are 16 in number. 16 skirts, all black. I could be wrong, but that seems excessive to me. I’m not even sure what might be an appropriate number of black skirts. I mean, black skirts are useful in so many situations, and they come in so many lengths and styles. I need a dressy black skirt, a rock star black skirt, a funeral black skirt, a sexy black skirt, a playful black skirt, a moody black skirt, a professional black skirt- I could go on and on and on. But I think my first goal will be to let go of four black skirts, giving me an even dozen. Baby steps.
This particular skirt is the one I’m choosing to begin this madness because I was talking about it to my friend Vicki yesterday. But please view this one with an open mind. It doesn’t look like much in the picture, but it is quite tailored and lovely on. The best part is back- it is seamed and has this little flounce that really flatters the backside. Here is a picture of when I wore this:
We are all dressed like this because we were having a Murder Mystery Dinner Party. It was a grand occasion! These were all friends we knew from IBM, and they have all moved to other areas except for one couple. It’s sad- we had many fun nights together! I miss them a great deal.
I used to throw these parties a lot. I think this may have been the last one I had, all the way back in 2005. Well, the last planned on- there was a spontaneous and legendary occurrence with the cast of Tommy last summer.
The theme was The Last Train From Paris, which explains the unusual number of berets. I can’t remember all of the characters, except that my friend Kari was a princecess. I really don’t know who my character was at all, but apparently white gloves were appropriate. Well, we played French music, and had French food, including Tartine de Tomates a la Mozzerella, Poulet Grille au Beurre de Coriandre, and Gateau a Mousse de Chocolat. (I only remember this because the invitation is still saved on my computer.) We also drank much French wine. And so the game grew more and more hilarious as the evening progressed. We might not have used our detective skills to their fullest capacity, but a good time was had by all. Until I decided that I should find a prize for the winner, who I think was the murderer, and went down into the basement to get it, still in my heels, and tumbled down half of them. It took me months to find both of my shoes, one was flung at least 10 feet from the bottom of the stairs. Thankfully, no one saw my graceful decent, (rumor has it that it sounded very humorous, however), and thankfully, only my pride was wounded. Le sigh. So much for my sophisticated evening in France.
I will say that this skirt has proved very sturdy and with a decent amount of stretch, to have survived the beating I gave it that night. I think I have probably worn it again, but I honestly can’t remember any other times. I like it. But is it good enough to make the cut?
**After writing this, I found a skirt I had forgotten to put away. Yes, a black skirt. There are 17, so now 5 must go. Ouch.**
**Ok, I may have picked up an additional one or two black skirts since writing this. But I can’t decide what to do with them all! Help!!
The Day Of Reckoning Is Here! (Part One)
Well, here it is- today I become The Decider. I know that some of the decisions will be easy, some of them will be slow and torturous. But I will get through it. I have built up my fortitude all day long, through a diet comprised almost exclusively of butter, cheese, pastries, wine, and tomatoes.
Now I feel brave and just French enough to accomplish the task at hand.
So I will start at the very beginning, the LBD. Although this dress only received four votes, they were all in favor of its inclusion. I have to agree. It’s staying- as are the shoes! Stays.
Next up, my Heath Leger top. This one is much more difficult. There were only two votes here, one in favor of letting it go, one in favor of making a pillow, thanks to Annie’s suggestion. But going back and reading the comments has not only made me laugh, but also made me take into consideration that I did get one vote to keep and wear. My heart is telling me that it’s time to let this one go, though. My first cut. And not as hard as I thought! Goes.
Third, my little luxe jacket. Easy- it stays. I don’t care if faux leopard isn’t on trend right now. I love this, and it’s just very me. Stays.
Ok, I’m up to the very old cocktail dress. Note many votes here, with a slight lean toward keeping it. And although I appreciate Vicki’s fondness for sparkles and theatre, I have to agree with Kevin, who said “Surely another time would have presented itself in ten years to wear it again if you ever were going to.” He’s right, and I can let it go. Goes.
Next is my slightly bleached Theory Tee. The comments from this post are my favorite ever. Kev, you always look great, Vicki, yes to paintball, and Kel- guess what? It’s yours! And I don’t even think that was you who voted for me to give it to my sister, but I’m going to anyway. Goes.
The Babydoll- it’s unanimous on this one. All want me to make a baby dress out of this. So I’m going to try. But wait- will I really? Or will I just put it into my pile of Things That Need Mending, where it will sit for another eight years, forgotten and untouched? Maybe I’ll just sell it. This one is clearly going, all I have to decide is to where. I’m going to ponder that, and keep going. Goes, somehow.
Hmm- the polyester blouse. Not many votes here, again, but they are unanimous to keep it. I think I was leaning towards getting rid of it, but there must be something here I’m missing. I’ll wear it this weekend at some point, and see how it goes. I’m putting this guy on probation for now. Stays- for now.
Ok. The Prada. What’s in a name? Apparently a lot. This one is making me sweat. I don’t know if I can toss it. I love cashmere. Mightn’t it be a lovely layering piece to take to Spain? It’s small, but it warm- perfect for a chilly night underneath a light jacket. Yes? Yes? Ok, maybe I am reaching, but I think I will place this on probation. I’ll see how it does in Spain, then re-evaluate. Stays- for now.
The next piece is another easy one. You all love this dress. I keep it now. Stays.
Now for my City Pants. As much as I do love these, and cargo pants are going to be huge this fall, I think it’s time to say goodbye. I have other pairs of black pants I can see myself in more easily. Goes.
Next is the plaid skirt. I get it, I get it, I’ve outgrown this style. I’m almost embarrassed by the strength of the outcry against this skirt. Thanks, Maria, for the vote in it’s favor. It makes me feel like maybe I wasn’t totally blind to wear it. But I have to listen to the majority; it’s farewell to the karaoke skirt. Goes.
My Marc Jacobs sweater. I am glad that the tide has turned for this one- there was a rash of voting against it for a while. but now 60% are telling me to keep it, so I will. I will find it a suitable outfit! Stays.
Ah, the surgery dress. This one received many votes, and the overwhelming majority think it should stay. I agree. Stay it will- there is a picnic waiting for this dress! Stays.
Now for the audition tee. Wow, again, most of you hate this (thanks for the positivity again, Maria!). I appreciate the kind way that Annie and Kevin tell me to toss this, but I get the hint. Goes.
Well, the Homecoming dress is up next. This one got more votes than anything else- and some nice comments, too (thanks, Susie!) The table runner idea was great, but I think I’ll keep this for a bit. Into the Costume Closet it goes. Stays.
The suede skirt. There are many ways I could wear this skirt. And it seems like you agree. I’m keeping it. Stays.
82% think my pink blouse should stay forever, and two people voted for it to stay, but maybe not forever. No votes to get rid of it, so this one is sticking around to be my favorite for a while longer. Stays.
My blue trousers. An overwhelming response to keep, and some very sweet comments, too. I will listen, and I will wear them. Stays.
Next up- the Halloween dress. I feel I have to defend it a little- it is indeed a dress, and not even that short on me thanks to my stub legs. You all seem confident that I can have better memories in it some day, so I will try. One person voted for me to wear it to the dentist. I’m not sure that counts as a better memory, but it seems fun to me, so I might do just that. Stays.
Well, the sweater tank. I’m torn. 67% say it toss it. I still like it, though. Ok, Annie and Kevin make some really good points. It does need to find a home with other semi-trashy pieces. I guess I sort of hoped the fact that it’s cashmere makes it less trashy. I guess not… good-bye. Goes.
Lastly, the blazer. Only one vote for it to stay. I agree with Lizzie, I do like the rolled sleeve blazer look, but just not on this one. It’s just too small. But I promise, Lizzie, I will do better with blazers in general! Goes.
To recap.
List of Items Staying:
List of Items Going:
So, it looks like I am getting rid of one pair of pants, a sweater, 2 tee-shirts, one skirt, 2 blouses, and a dress. Plus, two items are put on probation, and one moves into the Costume Closet. Whew! I feel lighter, and rather proud of myself. I think this is an excellent first-purge. What are your thoughts?
And thanks to all who are taking this journey with me. I promise much more fun to come, and I can’t wait!
The Mystery And The Mayhem Of The Blazer
Item: Blazer Color: Brown Pinstripe Designer: Max Studio Where Purchased: Marshall’s Years Owned: 5
Ok, everyone. Here it is. The last item up for your consideration before I make my first round of eliminations. Please make help me out, and try to get some more people to vote tomorrow! I will be making decisions starting at 10pm. And I’d truly love as much feedback as I can possible get before I decide anything.
In other news, what a wonderful start to the weekend! This evening was filled with friends I don’t see nearly enough, tons of laughter, mostly appropriate, a few good healthy scares, and cats in costumes. Delightful, all around.
This was one of those nights when I didn’t really feel inspired by any particular garment; and I had decided, since Labor Day Weekend, that I’m not a fan of writing about clothes I wore that very evening. So to the box I went, and selected “Jacket.”
This is a jacket I’ve been unsure of for quite some time. It is a “Petite,” and I’m really not. Well, not in my upper body, anyway. My arms are rather unproportionally long. And sort of gangly. So this jacket has always not fit me exactly right. The sleeves are not quite short enough to be tea length, but not long enough to be a traditional length. I solved this problem by rolling up the sleeves. Which might be the along the same lines as a man who is balding attempting the comb-over.
I’ve always wanted to be a fan of the blazer as a look. I’ve attempted it multiple times, with, I have to admit, few successes. I have so many of them. And I want to be the girl who wears a beat-up tee-shirt, and then throws a crisp blazer on top without even trying. I just can’t seem to pull it off.
I did, once, have a dear friend, Lizzie, tell me that I inspired her to buy this awesome blazer at the Salvation Army once. So maybe the magic of the blazer works for me more than I think it does. What I am certain of is the fact that I don’t wear them nearly enough for the amount of them that I own.
This one, I know I have worn. At least once, anyway. I wore this for a fourth of July party that Nate’s old college teammate, and our former roommate, Jason was having, just outside of Philadelphia. It was a festive occasion, if a little cold for July. We had not been living in New York for that long, and one of Nate’s other teammates, Jonathan, was still living with us.
The main event of the evening was to meet Jason’s new girl, a hairdresser named Erica, who looked sort of like a bad-ass pixie. I liked her a lot. And I suppose Jason did, too, since he ended up marrying her.
I wish I could remember what else I wore with this jacket, so I could try to determine exactly why I thought this was appropriate for a Fourth of July barbecue. But I’ll I’ve managed to hang on to is this. Does this mean it’s important to me, then? If that’s true, why don’t I wear it more? I honestly don’t know if I’ve worn it since. Do I feel it’s necessary to hold on to a jacket that doesn’t fit perfectly? Do you?
**I am severing this from my closet. It is in The Pile. Anyone want it??
Don’t Stop Believin’!
Item: Sweater? Color?Fabric: Black, cashmere Designer: BCBG Where Purchased: Dear Departed Value City Years Owned: Oh, wow, no idea. 12?
Today was a fantastic day. I felt stronger than I have since my surgery, and had a very successful run. My motto during the recovery process has been, “One minute at a time.” I just try to add a minute each time I run, so I’ve been taking things slowly. Well, as slow, I suppose, as I’m able to. Today I finally hit the 3-mile mark! Which is a mile stone in its own right for me, but more importantly, it felt great. I know that I was running with a ridiculous grin on my face, and that the number of people in the gym who think that I am nuts has probably doubled, but I couldn’t help it. And I’ve never been one of those “Feel the burn! I love the burn!” people- I have always wanted to punch those people in the face. But I just couldn’t stop the grin.
One of the songs that popped up on the Ipod to fuel me through the run was Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin.” Hence this semi-sweater/tank-top thing. I know that it looks weirdly proportioned in this picture, but it’s really not. It’s just has a really wide scoop neck that’s actually very flattering. The back is completely open, like this: It’s a little bit sexy, without being too over the top.
I never really felt brave enough to wear this in those days. I really liked the way it looked and felt, but I lacked the confidence. I was really waiting for an event where there would be tons of women in tight jeans, crop tops, spandex, and mini skirts. And then I found it- the Journey concert at the Common Ground Festival in Lansing Michigan! Perfect. I looked positively demure in this that night.
It was a transcendent night of 80’s awesomeness! It was Nate and I, my sister Kelly and her soon-to-be-husband Terry, my roommate Ashley, and her friend whose name is no longer with me. It was an outdoor concert, so we had blanket, and curled up on the ground when we weren’t up and dancing. Most of the original members were there, but instead of Steve Perry, they had Steve O’Cheiri, and it was close enough. But of course no Randy Jackson… Steve O’Cheiri was wearing such incredibly tight pants, I’m not even sure walking was an acceptable activity. But he seemed to think it was, and even upped the ante to running, jumping, and awkward front-man dancing. And the inevitable happened- his pants split right in the crotch -ish area! Hilarity ensued.
There were a lot of gems like this evening in those summer Lansing nights. I miss them terribly. And all the wonderful people involved.
This sweater has sat practically untouched in my closet all these years. Every time there is a closet cleaning event, I always consider doing away with it. And then I feel how soft it is, and change my mind. I feel like it may still come in handy down the line. I might have another 80’s madness concert in my future, right?
**I did it. I let this one go, through eBay. I hope it is well loved! (If I could take it back, though, I would. I miss it.)
The Dentist And Various Other Terrifying Matters
Item: Dress/Tunic Color/Fabric: Olive, Silk Designer: French Connection Years Owned: One
What a day it’s been. Actually, what a month. September hasn’t been too friendly to me so far. It’s got 15 days to make it up to me. Your call, September- let’s see what you got.
Any day that begins with doing payroll before 8am and proceeds onto a dentist visit is bound to be bad. Here’s a little back story. The dentist, like September, has never really been a friend of mine. I apparently have been walking around with a mouthful of battery acid for my entire life. I had my first root canal before I even had adult teeth. Once I had four cavities in a single tooth. Four! I’ve even had a dentist suggest getting a gum transplant. “Where do you get the new gums?” I asked innocently. “Well, from someone who has passed away,” said the dentist, and he was not joking with me. He wanted me to put tissue from a corpse into my mouth. In my mouth. A corpse. I would rather take my chances with my battery acid.
I think I have only made it out of a dental cleaning with no cavities one time. One time in my entire life. It sucks. The sad part is that I take care of my teeth. I brush at least twice a day. I do fluoride treatments. I floss more often than not. I’ve even rinsed nightly with a substance that’s mainly used to clean surgical equipment. All to no avail. I have horrible teeth.
Today was no exception. As I sit writing this, I have seven cavities. Seven! So many I have to have two visits to fill them up. It isn’t fair.
Almost a year ago, I was having an emergency root canal. The third one of my life, and by far the worst one. Incredibly, it was also the opening night of Pippin. I was getting out of the dentist chair at 5 o’clock, and the curtain went up at 8. Contrary to how it sounds, this was actually not fun at alll. I couldn’t even open my mouth until about 7:15. It was terrifying. And painful.
I wish I remembered what I wore that day, but I do know that I wore this dress the following night. I wore it with these boots: 
They are my no fail favorite boots, also worn the night I didn’t go to the VMAs, and probably worn more than any other shoe I own. The more beat up they get, the better they look. I love them, and will always remember the day I bought them. I was in Philadelphia for a conference with work with my friend Annie, and of course we went shopping on our lunch break. We found an Urban Outfitters that was having a huge sale, and I bought these, and two shopping bags full of clothes. I had great fun carrying them into the conference and squashing them under the table while everyone stared at me.
Anyway, I wore the dress with the boots on Halloween of last year. After our show, a good friend that I hadn’t seen in ages called and asked me to go out to the bar where he was bartending, so I went for a brief visit. Halloween in Kingston is terrifying. I saw many things that I wish I could somehow unsee. The pinnacle of the evening was when someone called me a horrible name that rhymes with bore and isn’t really boring at all. Which was funny, since all my flesh was covered except for my knees and wrists. Except I didn’t laugh at all, and left shortly after. It was a strange, semi-awful night.
And I’ve never worn this dress since. I’m not sure if it’s because of that night, or if I associate it permanently with emergency root canals, or if I do actually think it is too short. I’ve thought a few times about wearing it as a blouse, but haven’t exactly gotten around to that. Is a dress that reminds me of the dentist and insults worth saving, even if it’s all floaty and silky and lovely?
**Still not sure about this one. I want to try it as a blouse, but haven’t yet. I can’t decide its fate until I do…
Blue Trousers And The Beginning Of The End (Part One)
Item: Trousers Color/Fabric: Blue/Grey, cotton/wool Designer: Idra Where Purchased: Anthropologie Years Owned: 2
First of all, I want to thank everyone who has been supporting me through this crazy project. I love your comments and insights, and appreciate your opinions about my wardrobe. Saturday I have decided will be my very first Day of Reckoning. I will determine my first discard pile. So please, vote a lot if you haven’t already, and tell your friends to vote! I need all the guidance I can get.
The trousers I have only owned for a few years. I have to admit that I am having a hard time with the pants department. I just do not seem to bond emotionally with my pants, like I do with dresses and blouses. And sometimes skirts. I think it’s maybe because I have a much more difficult time finding the right fit for my lower half than my upper. On that note, these do not fit perfectly, just a tiny bit snug through the hips, but they still look nice. I like the slouchy roominess they have through the leg, and the width at the bottom. They almost seem vintage, like menswear in the 40’s. The herringbone, the buttons, and the accents on the hip are just enough detail to make them feel special.
The first time I wore them was last march, for my sister’s baby shower. My adorable nephew Eli was almost two months old, I think, so it was an unusual sort of shower. But it was really nice, because all my relatives got to meet him sooner than they would have if we hadn’t had the shower then. That weekend was the first time I got to meet him, as well. He was so tiny, and even then just an active and curious little guy. Of course it was love at first sight! We did a lot of bonding that weekend. I may have managed to escape most of the diaper duty (ok, I think I only did it one time, and only then because there was no one who could rescue me), I did help with feedings and entertainment and such.
It was great to see my sister as a mother. Even though every bone in her body was entirely exhausted, she still had this inner contentment, like she had reached a new peak of happiness that is more complete and more honest than any joy she had known before. Motherhood is truly awe-inspiring. Being an aunt is cool, too, though…
The party itself was wonderful. We had a lovely brunch, and then opened presents, and skipped the silly “Pin the Diaper on the Baby” games that just make everyone feel uncomfortable. And I got to spend a lot of time with women that I love dearly and see far too infrequently.
My most vivid memory of that day is my Grandmother holding Eli until he fell asleep. She always says she just has a way with babies, and it’s true. Like magic. And her face just glows with a lovely tranquil smile, as though she knows a secret that is hers to treasure. My Grandma turned 92 last week, and she is one amazing lady. She’s been on my mind continuously tonight. I love her.
So I think I should keep these pants, and make an attempt to wear them more often. Too many times I go right to jeans because they’re just easier. It’s time to stop being lazy, and put on some trousers.
And don’t forget to get me some votes!**Undecided. I haven’t really worn these since, and I’m still concerned about the fit. Will revisit them, soon!
I Am What I Wore 